Barriers to Universal Prescribing of Antiretroviral Therapy by HIV Care Providers in the United States, 2013-2014.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

HIV treatment guidelines recommend initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) regardless of CD4 cell (CD4) count, barring contraindications or barriers to treatment. An estimated 6% of persons receiving HIV care in 2013 were not prescribed ART. We examined reasons for this gap in the care continuum.

Methods

During 2013-2014, we surveyed a probability sample of HIV care providers, of whom 1234 returned surveys (64.0% adjusted response rate). We estimated percentages of providers who followed guidelines and their characteristics, and who deferred ART prescribing for any reason.

Results

Barring contraindications, 71.2% of providers initiated ART regardless of CD4 count. Providers less likely to initiate had caseloads ≤20 vs. >200 patients [adjusted prevalence r

SUBMITTER: Weiser J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5494707 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature